A disturbing incident has come to light in Melbourne’s north-west, where sexually explicit, AI-generated images of female students from Gladstone Park Secondary College have been circulated online.
The Victorian Police are investigating the matter, and two year 11 students have been suspended in connection with the incident.
What Happened?
According to Detective Sergeant Simon Garner from the Fawkner Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT), as many as 60 students could be impacted by the incident.
The images were created using artificial intelligence technology, and police are still trying to determine how many victims were involved.
The incident came to light on Thursday afternoon, when Victoria Police were made aware that formal photos of students had been digitally altered and published.
“Despicable” Act
Detective Sergeant Garner described the incident as “quite disturbing, quite despicable.” He emphasized that no one likes to have their images taken and manipulated in such a way, and it’s hard to believe that such platforms exist.
The incident has sparked a strong reaction from the community, with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan calling it “appalling” and emphasizing the need for programs to deal with toxic culture in schools.
Support for Victims
The Department of Education is working with the school to support the students impacted, and wellbeing support has been offered to any students who need it.
Detective Sergeant Garner said that support is being provided to the students and their families, and all referral services have been put in place to help them through this difficult time.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident, there are support services available:
- 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
- Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
- Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
- Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 131 114
- Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with officers working to determine what platforms the images had been posted to.
Detective Sergeant Garner urged the general public to report any images they may be aware of, so that police can start tracking them down. The community’s help is crucial in bringing those responsible to justice and supporting the victims.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, it’s essential for the community to come together and support the victims.
The incident highlights the need for awareness and education about the risks of AI-generated explicit images and the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy and dignity. We will provide updates on this incident as more information becomes available.